Moving? Take a Look at Your Health Insurance
Key Takeaways
- Typically, moving is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)Qualifying Life Events (QLE) are life changes that allow you to enroll in a new health insurance plan during a Special Enrollment Period. These include having or adopting a child, losing other coverage, marriage, a change of income and moving. , and you can make changes to your existing coverage outside of Open EnrollmentThe Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP), also known as the Annual Enrollment Period, runs from October 15 to December 7 each year and allows you to make multiple Medicare-related changes. In addition, Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment allows changes to non-Medicare coverage from November 1 to December 15. .
- Before you make a switch to a new employer’s health plan as a result of your move, be sure you connect with your Human Resources department to ask questions about the new coverage.
- Whether changing jobs or not, moving can impact employer-sponsored health insurance. Let your employer know about your move and ask about any possible changes to your benefits.
FAQs
How long is a Special Enrollment Period?
Most people are allowed 30 to 60 days to make any changes. Your state or federal exchange can provide exact timeframes.
How long do I wait for coverage in a new state?
When you move, your health insurance won’t travel with you. You should report a move to the marketplace as soon as possible. Getting your insurance updated will ensure you’re not paying for coverage you can’t use.